Public invited to Boston memorial for marathon bombing victims

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend an interfaith memorial service in the Boston to honor the victims of the marathon bombings.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston's South End. Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to attend an interfaith memorial service in the South End meant to honor the victims of Monday's marathon bombings.

Obama is expected to speak at the public memorial, which has been dubbed "Healing Our City: An Interfaith Service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston."

All are welcome to attend the service, which officials describe as an opportunity for the community to come together in the wake of Monday's deadly Boston Marathon bombings.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said yesterday that he did not know whether Obama would visit any of the injured victims, or tour the bombing site during his visit to Boston. [embedgallery id=135450]

The president told the nation Tuesday that, “Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror. What we don’t know is who carried to this attack, or why... We will find whoever harmed our citizens and we will bring them to justice. The American people refuse to be terrorized.”

Mayor Thomas Menino and Governor Deval Patrick will join the Obamas at Thursday's memorial, as will federal, state and local officials.

State officials said the service, which begins at 11 a.m., will be televised.

First responders, civic leaders from communities along the marathon route, medical personnel, victims and their families, as well as volunteers from the Boston Athletic Association have been invited to attend, but all members of the public are welcome to attend. [embedgallery id=135622]

Doors for the service will open to the public at 8 a.m., and tickets will be released on a first come, first served basis to those in line at the cathedral.

Security is expected to be strict, with state officials warning guests to be prepared for "airport-like security," and not to bother bringing bags, sharp objects, liquids or signs.